The Tamarack Plaza
planned unit development, off Rail Road just east of 100E, never really
emerged as a commercial location, since being developed in 2001.

It may now,
however, become a hopping residential site, with easy access to 1100N, the
Chesterton Downtown, and Coffee Creek Center.

At its meeting
Monday night, the Chesterton Town Council voted 5-0 to approve on first
reading an amendment to the PUD ordinance governing Tamarack Plaza, 5-0 to
suspend the rules, then 5-0 to approve the amendment on final reading.

That amendment
permits the construction of four four-unit townhomes, in place of commercial
buildings.

Since the original
PUD was approved in 2001, only one commercial building was ever constructed
at Tamarack Plaza and developer Paul Shinn is hopeful that residential will
be more marketable at the location.

At a public hearing
before the Advisory Plan Commission in February, some neighbors did object
to a concentration of rental units in that area. Planners unanimously
endorsed the amendment, though, and no one spoke against it at Monday’s
meeting.

Fireworks
Extravaganza

In other business,
members voted 5-0 to approve the Duneland Chamber of Commerce’s request for
a contribution of $2,500 in funds and in-kind services from the Police and
Fire departments, for this year’s edition of the Independence Day fireworks
extravaganza at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Labor Law
Consultation

Members also voted
5-0 to authorize Town Attorney Chuck Lukmann to consult with Ogletree
Deakins, a law firm specializing in labor and employment.

Lukmann noted that
several issues have arisen related to the unionization of the Police
Department by Teamsters Local 142.

“From time to time,
I may wish to consult with Ogletree Deakins,” Lukmann said.

From the CFD

Meanwhile, Fire
Chief Mike Orlich reported that the ladder truck is finally back in service.

Orlich also
announced the award by Enbridge Inc. of a $1,250 grant for foam and foam
training.

Produce Stand

Members voted 5-0
to renew the town’s contract with River Bottom Produce to sell fruits and
vegetables at its stand this summer across the street from the police and
fire station at Broadway and Eighth Street.

Remembering

Frank Sessa

The council opened
the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of former Town Council member
Frank Sessa, who died March 29 at age 72.

Sessa “devoted much
of his life to the betterment of this town,” remembered Member Jim Ton,
R-1st.